Mithridates VI had quelled an uprising in the region of Colchis in 83 BCE and had given Colchis to his son Mithridates, who was soon executed being suspected in having plotted against his father.

During the Third Mithridatic War, Mithridates has made another son, Machares, king of Colchis, where Mithridates has regrouped.

At Pompey's approach, Mithridates strategically withdraws his forces.

Tigranes the Great refuses him refuge, so he makes his way to his own dominions in the Cimmerian Bosporus.

Pompey secures a treaty with Tigranes, and in 65 BCE sets out in pursuit of Mithridates, but meets resistance from the Caucasian Iberians and Albanians.

He advances to Phasis in Colchis and liaises with his legate Servilius, admiral of his Euxine fleet, before decisively defeating Mithridates.

Pompey now retraces his steps, …